Senior officials from Hong Kong’s Department of Health visited Dr Sam Everington’s social enterprise on 7 June.
In 2009, the Hong Kong government proposed a number of initiatives to enhance primary care services, including the development of community health centres in various districts. So, a number of delegates, including Timothy Tam, assistant secretary for food and health, were shown the highly-respected health services at the Bromley By Bow Centre (BBBC) for inspiration.
After the visit, Mr Tam said: “We wanted to learn more about the experience of primary care development in the UK and see if Hong Kong can learn from the UK's experience. I had a basic understanding about the principles of social enterprise, however, it was my first time to hear about a health centre being operated in the form of a social enterprise and this interested me.”
Mr Tam said he was impressed with the environment at the centre, which is run by the ambassador and GP. “I could see that patients' feelings and needs had been taken into consideration when designing the centre. The healthcare professionals were also very approachable.”
He said that delegates will now examine whether the model of BBBC is applicable to Hong Kong and explore the interface between the healthcare sector and other sectors like the social welfare sector.
“We will also have further discussions with healthcare professionals, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders on the development of community health centres,” he added.
UK visitors and mentoring
The ambassador’s centre is widely respected and gaining evermore national and international interest as an inspirational healthcare model. The day after the Hong Kong officials’ visit, the doctor hosted new health secretary Andrew Lansley. And, the centre will also be used for a meeting between the government department for communities and local government and several of the ambassadors on 6 July. Later in the month, Sam Everington will host the Beijing government’s health department.
The ambassador is also mentoring a new social enterprise formed by staff at Bromley Primary Care Services (PCT) as part of the previous government’s Right to Request scheme.
In addition to several of the ambassadors - including Martin Kinsella and Victor Adebowale - mentoring under the Right to Request scheme, a number have now started advisory sessions with winners of the Ambassadors’ mentoring competition.
Mark Swift entered the competition and won a mentoring session with his ambassador of choice – Craig Dearden-Phillips. Speaking after their meeting Mark, programme manager of Wellbeing Project CIC, said:
“The advice Craig gave was superb. It has given us much to think about in terms of how we take our organisation forward, and how we stay true to our values and aspirations, especially as we look to grow and expand. Craig is already spreading the word about us through his networks and will be keeping in touch which is wonderful!
"I'm so glad I entered the competition!”
And fellow winner Anita Richards was similarly enthused following her session with Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa.
“The session with Tokunbo last Wednesday was an extremely positive experience and Tokunbo's journey and experience in setting up a social enterprise really has allowed me to take a more realistic approach in all areas of the business plan. To win has inspired me with the confidence I really needed at the time so thank you for selecting me!”
Anita will be using Tokunbo’s advice as she sets up a social enterprise to support young disadvantaged youth who want to break into the visual arts and fashion industries.
School time
Education continues to play a key priority in the programme, with Penny Newman working with students on the Leadership in Sustainable Development Masters Course at Middlesex University. Over in Cambridge, John Bird will be making a second visit to Bottisham College to advise students on the Young Enterprise Social Enterprise scheme.
And Sophi Tranchell’s enterprise, Divine Chocolate, will feature in new text books and resources for BTEC Enterprise students.
Meanwhile, the Social Enterprise Mark, which was created with the input of several ambassadors, is increasing in popularity and making social enterprise more visible. The mark is now featured on the front of The Big Issue raising the profile of social enterprise with an audience of 650,000 people.
Congratulations to Julie Harris who was recently appointed CEO of RISE the regional social enterprise network for the South West.
Finally, Saeeda Ahmed will deliver a seminar on social enterprise to 80 young Muslims from 20 countries at the Mosaic International Leadership Summit in Cambridge next month.
